Newcastle United have confirmed that John Carver will remain as head coach until the end of the season.

The 50-year-old had been in caretaker charge of the team following Alan Pardew's departure to Crystal Palace earlier this month.

Carver has lost three and drawn one of his four games since taking over the Magpies.

Having failed to appoint a permanent manager in recent weeks, the club will now wait until the summer to explore their options further.

"At the beginning of this process it was my desire and intention to appoint an individual to the position of head coach who would be available to start immediately," managing director Lee Charnley told Newcastle's official website.

"Having now explored at some length the options available to us at this time, the decision has been taken to defer the appointment of a permanent head coach until the end of the season.

"John has a long history with the club and has the full support of the board. Our goal for the season of a minimum top-10 finish remains unchanged and we are confident that John, supported by the backroom staff, will be able to deliver this."

Newcastle are back in action on Saturday when they make the trip to Hull City in the Premier League.